Washington Senate: Murray (D) Inches Into The Lead Over Rossi (R)

Democratic incumbent Patty Murray is barely ahead of Republican challenger Dino Rossi now as the lead seesaws again in Washington’s neck-and-neck U.S. Senate race.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Washington shows Murray with 49% of the vote to Rossi’s 46%. Two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate, and three percent (3%) are undecided. (To see question wording, click here.)

Less than two weeks ago, the numbers were reversed with Rossi holding a minimal 49% to 46% lead, highlighting how close this race has been for months. The race remains a Toss-Up in the Rasmussen Reports Election 2010 Senate Balance of Power rankings.

The survey was taken last night, the same night the candidates held their second and last debate.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

 The survey of 750 Likely Voters in Washington was conducted on October 17, 2010 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Murray and Rossi sparred over the national health care bill in both their debates. Do most voters in Washington favor repeal of the health care bill? How do voters rate the candidates’ political views – mainstream or extreme? Become a Platinum member and find out.